Category: Jun2013

I congratulate President Ts. Elbegdorj on his success in the election held on Wednesday in Mongolia.  President Elbegdorj has been an important leader in advancing democracy and freedom in his country and a key partner for the United States in Asia and globally.  I look forward to working with him to further strengthen the friendship…

La Cour Suprême Dakar, Senegal 12:08 P.M. GMT PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Thank you very much, Mr. Chief Justice, for your service here in Senegal, for your powerful words about the work that brings us here together, the recognition that strong democracies depend on strong institutions — and that includes an independent judiciary system and respect for…

Dakar, Senegal 11:22 A.M. EDT MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, merci beaucoup.  Bonjour. STUDENTS:  Bonjour. MRS. OBAMA:  Comment ça va?  Jerejef waa Martin Luther King.  Teartu bi rafet-neu.  (Applause.)  It is such a pleasure and such an honor to be here in the land of teranga.  (Applause.) I want to start by thanking your wonderful First Lady,…

Presidential Palace Dakar, Senegal 11:00 A.M. GMT PRESIDENT SALL:  (As interpreted.)  Mr. President, Mr. Barack Obama, good morning, ladies and gentlemen.  I’m extremely happy to welcome President Barack Obama for his first trip to Africa since his reelection in November last year. So, Mr. President, I’d like to once again welcome you to Senegal and…

Gorée Island Senegal 3:33 P.M. GMT PRESIDENT OBAMA:  I want to thank the President of Senegal, but also the Mayor of Gorée and the museum curator here.  Obviously, it’s a very powerful moment whenever I can travel with my family, but especially for Michelle and Malia and my mother-in-law to be able to come here…

Gorée Island Senegal 4:46 P.M. GMT PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, let me just say thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me.  We’ve had a wonderful visit here in Senegal, and I had good opportunity to discuss a range of issues with President Sall this morning. And obviously, it was very powerful…

Presidential Palace Dakar, Senegal 8:35 P.M. GMT PRESIDENT SALL:  (As interpreted.)  Your Excellency, Barack Obama; distinguished First Lady, Michelle Obama; distinguished First Lady of Senegal, Marieme Sall; distinguished members of the American delegation; distinguished Speaker of the Parliament; distinguished Prime Minister; Madame President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council; distinguished senior ministers, distinguished ministers;…

I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act.  This was discrimination enshrined in law.  It treated loving, committed gay and lesbian couples as a separate and lesser class of people.  The Supreme Court has righted that wrong, and our country is better off for it.  We are a people…

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend the Celebration of the Accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union in Zagreb on June 30, 2013. The Honorable Kenneth H. Merten, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia, will lead the delegation. Member of the Presidential Delegation: The…

Today I am proud to announce my intention to renominate General Marty Dempsey as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Admiral Sandy Winnefeld as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  These two superb officers have led our military and their families with great distinction, deep conviction, and absolute integrity over…